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| New theater, old movies,
free entertainment |
Carrie Baker
Business Affairs Beat
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Peter Larkins | The AppalachianStudents visit the concession
stand at Greenbriar Theater Wednesday evening before a showing
of Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Nortwest.”
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The films are old,
the theater is new and the admission is always free.
Greenbriar Theater, Appalachian State University’s
newest addition to the learning and entertainment environment, promises
a state-of-the-art movie viewing experience at a very reasonable
price.
John McElwee, a retired lawyer and film collector
from North Wilkesboro, donated the money for the 74-seat theater
located on the second floor of W. H. Plemmons Student Union. |
McElwee
said Greenbriar presents films from his personal collection and
films from different academic departments, most of which are “older
films.”
McElwee said even though the film selection is “older,”
he wants to avoid terms like “classics” and ensure an
atmosphere of entertainment.
“We show these [films] to entertain people. It’s not like
a school around here,” McElwee said.
So far films such as the 1954 release “Sabrina,” the 1938
film “Adventures of Robin Hood,” Jacques Tourneur’s
“Curse of the Demon,” Alfred Hitchcock’s “North
By Northwest” and more have been showcased in Greenbriar. Next,
the James Bond film “Dr. No” is this Friday and Saturday
at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
“You can come here and see movies with an audience. Movies
that you wouldn’t see otherwise in a theater,” McElwee
said.
Screenings in Greenbriar Theater include films for classes, educational
film series, such as the Spanish Film Series and interdisciplinary
studies film series, and McElwee’s own “Private Screenings
Series.”
Along with his films, McElwee also displays matching movie memorabilia
for audiences to enjoy.
Posters, pictures and other authentic movie advertisements adorn
the outside and lobby of Greenbriar.
McElwee said films at Greenbriar are shown on either 16 mm projectors
or a state-of-the-art digital projector.
The rare chance to view older films in a high quality setting is
sure to change some peoples’ minds about older films such as
black and white movies, McElwee said.
“If people would visit the Greenbriar, I think they would be
surprised about what a great experience it is,” McElwee said.
The Greenbriar experience includes high-back chairs with private
armrests and cup holders, digital projection and surround sound.
On top of that, admission is promised to be “always free”
and open to the public. Reasonably priced concessions are offered
at all showings (except class screenings) with popcorn, drinks and
candy priced at $1 each.
McElwee began sharing his collection of films with Appalachian State
three years ago with his “Private Screenings Series.”
One of the reasons he chose Appalachian State for the location of
Greenbriar Theater was the university’s openness to the films,
McElwee said.
“[Appalachian State] was very receptive to the idea of showing
the films from the beginning,” he said.
McElwee said the “biggest problem” so far for the theater
has been getting the word out on movie times and showings.
Greenbriar Theater offers several different movies
and show times a week. For dates and times, visit http://www.filmsappstate.
edu. |
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